Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorneys 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Many innocent pedestrians are injured by the careless and inattentive actions of drivers of cars, trucks and SUVs. While no two pedestrian accidents are exactly alike, some of the most common causes of hit-by-car accidents include:

Distracted Drivers: Many drivers are inattentive and pre-occupied with such activities as using mobile phones to call and text, reading documents and newspapers, applying makeup or other tasks that result in drivers devoting less than their full attention to the road.

Excessive Speed: Drivers who violate the speed limit or drive too fast for heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions cause many pedestrian accidents. A vehicle that is moving at a high rate of speed exponentially increases the likelihood of a pedestrian accident resulting in serious fatalities. At 20 miles per hour, there is only a 10% chance that a pedestrian will be killed in a collision. At 40 miles per hour, the likelihood that a pedestrian will be killed increases to 90%.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Intersections can be very dangerous for pedestrians who must enter the roadway. Drivers who are rushing or not paying attention can run stop signs or red lights and collide with pedestrians crossing the street in a crosswalk. Almost 24% of pedestrian accidents occur at intersections.

Poorly Designed Roadways: A governmental entity may be partially liable for a pedestrian accident resulting from poor roadway design or maintenance. Common examples of roadway design or maintenance issues that may contribute to a pedestrian accident include a lack of traffic signals, overhanging trees and vegetation reducing visibility, unsafe pedestrian crossings, school district negligence, inadequate warning signs and lax enforcement of traffic laws.

Failure to Check Behind Vehicle: Nearly half of all pedestrian accidents involving children ages 1 to 4 occur when a vehicle is backing up in the driveway. Approximately 50 children are injured or killed every week as a result of vehicles backing up.

Drunk Drivers: Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol have slower response time and decreased judgment and decision-making skills. This means they often do not respond quickly to pedestrians crossing the roadway.

Failure to Watch for Children: Many children are hurt in pedestrian accidents with vehicles that do not obey slower speed limits in school zones or heed flashing red lights on school buses.